Cells from fat mend bone, cartilage, muscle and even the heart

Adipose tissue is a natural storehouse of healing cells

FAT AS A FIXER Adipose tissue, a collection of fat-storing cells (red) surrounded by connective tissue (yellow), has its own supply of blood and immune cells.

Steve Gschmeissner/Science Source

Most people would be happy to get rid of excess body fat. Even better: Trade the spare tire for something useful — say, better-functioning knees or hips, or a fix for an ailing heart or a broken bone.

The idea is not far-fetched, some scientists say. Researchers worldwide are repurposing discarded fat to repair body parts damaged by injury, disease or age. Recent studies in lab animals and humans show that the much-maligned material can be a source of cells useful for treating a wide range of ills.

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